The Freelancer's Teabreak

Hello and welcome to a special episode of The Freelancers Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, and as this is our last podcast episode of the year, I'm doing things a bit differently. Today, I'm conducting my own annual performance review as a freelancer. From attendance and punctuality to goals, organisation, and communication, join me as I reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement. My affiliate link to Sunsama Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction  01:10 - Attendance and Punctuality  04:30 - Reviewing Goals  07:50 - Organisation and Systems  11:00 - Communication  15:00 - Focus and Productivity  19:20 - Collaboration 21:10 - Financial Performance  24:00 - Strengths and Areas for Improvement 29:00 - Conclusion  Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers, discusses the importance of reflecting on and celebrating freelance wins. She categorises these wins into three main areas: boundary wins, skills and growth wins, and client and money wins. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:20 Reflecting on the Year: Wins and Challenges  00:54 Celebrating Small Wins  01:55 Boundary Wins: Setting Limits for Success  04:07 Skills and Growth Wins: Learning and Improving  06:05 Client and Money Wins: Tangible Successes  08:28 Challenge: Recognise Your Wins  09:25 Conclusion and Encouragement   My Sort your Freelance Pension Course   Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome back to the Freelancer Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, your coach and mentor for freelancers. In this short episode, I share some essential admin tasks to wrap up the year and start January clearheaded. Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to the Freelancer Tea Break  00:38 Review Your Invoices  01:38 Update Your Out of Office  02:56 Review Your Terms and Conditions  03:53 Analyse Your Client List  04:54 Check and Adjust Your Rates  06:06 End the Year on a Positive Note  06:39 Conclusion and Farewell Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Freelancing can get lonely, especially as the days get darker. This week, I'm sharing simple ways to stay connected, even if you're an introvert who loves working from the sofa (hi 👋). Try relaxed networking (like netwalking or coffee meetups) Explore local coworking spaces or apps like Reef Arrange casual coffee catch-ups Join online freelance communities (like my Facebook & Discord groups!) Just because you work alone doesn't mean you have to feel alone 💕 Networking and Co-working mentioned: Berkshire Mummies Networking My Little Boardroom Reef App Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz  

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm tackling a surprisingly common dilemma: If a client wants you to use specific software, who should foot the bill? Here's the gist: If they require it (and you won't use it elsewhere) — they should pay. If it's a tool you'll use across clients — it's likely worth investing in yourself. Always agree on who owns the content created in that software! A quick listen while you make a cuppa ☕ Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm sharing 3 ADHD-friendly time hacks that actually work (and honestly, they'll help anyone feeling frazzled right now): 🧠 Don't just read and leave, read and schedule! ⏳ Stop giving yourself all day! Shorter time blocks = more done 👯‍♀️ Body doubling + accountability = focus magic Perfect listen while you make a cuppa. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:20 Introduction to ADHD Time Hacks 00:50 Tip 1: Don't Read and Leave, Read and Schedule 02:59 Tip 2: Don't Allow Too Much Time 04:56 Tip 3: Body Doubling and Accountability 06:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Affiliate link from episode: Sunsama  Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

As freelancers, we want to help our clients succeed - but where's the line between great service and doing too much? In this week's episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm chatting about: ☕ Setting healthy boundaries (and sticking to them!) 📋 Onboarding with clear expectations 🔁 Regular check-ins to keep things on track You can't fix your client's whole business — and you shouldn't have to! Listen while you make a cuppa 👉 #FreelanceLife #FreelanceTips #Boundaries #ClientManagement #TheFreelancersTeaBreak Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:09 The Grey Area of Client Responsibility 02:38 Setting Boundaries as a Freelancer 04:23 Onboarding with Clear Expectations 06:56 Regular Check-ins and Reviews 08:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this bite-sized episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we're tackling one of the biggest freelance icks: when a client says, "You're too expensive." Emma shares a viral LinkedIn post exploring why that phrase hits differently, and how a simple shift in language can change the entire dynamic. It's not about your rates being too high; it's about whether they value your work.  Tune in for a quick pep talk on pricing confidence, boundary-setting, and why the best clients respect your worth. Timestamps:  0:00 Intro  0:49 Why the phrase "you're too expensive" resonates with so many freelancers  1:33 Exploring the impact of client language and how it can feel devaluing  2:20 How Language Affects Client Relationship  3:29 Warning About Difficult Clients and Final Thought Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break with Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers. In this episode, Emma delves into the common question of why freelancers charge higher hourly rates than employees. She explains that freelancers have to cover additional costs such as holiday pay, sick leave, pension contributions, office space, and equipment expenses, which employees typically receive from their employers. Emma also discusses the benefits of hiring freelancers, including access to specialised skills, project-focused quality work, and the lack of a long-term commitment.  Tune in to understand the true value freelancers bring and the hidden costs they bear.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:13 Why Do Freelancers Charge More?  00:46 Employee Benefits vs. Freelancer Costs  01:27 Freelancer Expenses and Considerations  02:10 Comparing Employees and Freelancers  02:40 Efficiency and Quality of Freelancers  03:06 Conclusion: The Value of Freelancers Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, we dive into indispensable tools that can help freelancers with ADHD or anyone else looking to boost productivity.  Learn how Emma leverages AI for processes using ChatGPT, organises her business with Notion, manages inbox chaos with Sunsama, and more. Discover tools like OneTab for browser management, BePresent for limiting phone usage, Notability for digital note-taking, and Speechify for turning text into audio. Stay tuned for practical tips and strategies! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:24 Understanding AI and Motivation 00:47 Using Chat GPT for Productivity 02:46 Embracing Notion for Organization 04:26 Managing Tasks with Sunsama 05:31 Simplify Your Browser with OneTab 06:30 Be Present: Managing Phone Usage 08:38 Notability: Digital Note-Taking 09:53 Speechify: Listening to Text 11:04 Conclusion and Community Engagement Extra Focus by Jesse J Anderson Sunsama affiliate link  OneTab extension BePresent | Reduce Screen Time Notability Speechify Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Reflect and Revitalise: Preparing for Quarter Four as a Freelancer. In this episode of 'The Freelancers Tea Break', coach and mentor Emma Cossey discusses the importance of reflecting and planning for the last quarter of the year.  Emma provides practical questions to help freelancers set realistic goals, manage their workload, and ensure they end the year feeling accomplished rather than burnt out. Tune in for tips on scheduling time off, clearing lingering projects, managing energy levels during autumn and winter, and achieving personal milestones before the year ends.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast  00:39 Planning Your Year-End Break  01:12 Clearing Out Old Projects  01:54 Managing Your Energy Levels  03:04 Setting Achievable Goals  03:47 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Join us in this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break as we delve into the cosy vibes of autumn and how to adapt your workspace for maximum comfort. We'll discuss the benefits of candles, blankets, and cosy fabrics, as well as essential routines for maintaining productivity and well-being during the shorter daylight hours. Tune in for tips on making your desk space delightful, recommendations for cosy games and books, and ideas for socialising in the cooler months. Embrace cosy productivity and make the most of the autumn season as a freelancer! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:26 Autumn Obsession: Embracing the Cosy Season 01:11 Creating a Cosy Work Setup 02:38 Comfort Essentials for Your Desk 05:04 Dealing with Autumn Challenges 06:10 Slowing Down and Enjoying the Season 07:46 Socialising and Networking in Autumn 08:43 Embracing Cosy Productivity 09:51 Optimising Your Workspace for Comfort 10:37 Join the Freelance Community The Butterfly Witch: https://amzn.to/4gCo5ZH Autumn tales from cozy vales: https://amzn.to/46iPdtb   Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares simple but effective follow-up strategies to help you stay top of mind with clients. From regular check-ins and friendly newsletters to personalised follow-ups after discovery calls, you'll learn how to build stronger client relationships and keep the work flowing. Emma also touches on how to stay visible in a changing market (yes, even with AI in the mix). Tune in for practical tips to nurture connections, grow your freelance business, and keep clients coming back. Join the chat in our Facebook group or on Discord to swap ideas with other freelancers. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:20 Adapting to Changing Times  00:31 Reviewing Your Services 00:41 Importance of Discovery Calls  00:47 Staying Visible  00:54 Following Up with Clients  01:48 Creating a Client Newsletter  02:42 Effective Follow-Up Strategies  04:57 Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey unpacks the 'Freelance Client Funnel', four key ways to attract clients in a world where AI is changing the game. We'll dive into social media, networking, referrals, and pitching, with practical tips like sticking to one social platform, networking without the awkward small talk, building strong referrals, and writing pitches that actually get read. Emma also shares why being visible and persistent matters way more than being perfectly consistent. Tune in for simple, actionable advice to help you attract more clients and keep your freelance business thriving. Networking £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/networking Pitching £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/how-to-write-a-pitching-email-8th-sept    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and September Series Overview 00:51 The Importance of Visibility in Freelancing  02:06 The Freelance Client Funnel: Four Key Areas  02:27 Social Media Strategies for Freelancers  04:25 Networking Tips for Introverted Freelancers  05:29 Leveraging Referrals for Business Growth  06:43 Effective Pitching Techniques  07:26 Weekly Action Plan and Final Tips  09:01 LinkedIn Hacks and Conclusion Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers TeaBreak, Emma Cossey dives into why tracking where your clients actually come from is the secret to smarter marketing and better results. From simple spreadsheets to CRMs like Dubsado and Notion—and even handy tools like Chatra—Emma shares practical ways to track your client sources. You'll also learn how to use that data to boost your discovery call conversions, tap into referrals, and make the most of past clients. Whether you're just starting out or you've been freelancing for years, you'll pick up easy, actionable tips to grow your business and work more strategically. Discovery Call £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/discoverycalls The Scary Email Template: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/10-templates-for-10 Dubsado Afffiliate Link: http://dubsado.com/?c=freelancelifestyle 20% off your first year Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview  00:33 The Impact of AI on Freelancing  00:58 Clarifying Your Services  01:08 Tracking Client Sources  03:13 Optimising Discovery Calls  04:49 Alternative Contact Methods  06:21 Leveraging Your Network  07:33 Weekly Challenge and Conclusion Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Feeling frustrated with freelancing this year? You're not alone. This September in The Freelancers Tea Break, we're talking about how to refresh your services so they actually fit today's market and still keep you ahead of the AI curve. We'll cover how to spot what's still selling, what's been swallowed up by tech, and how to repackage your skills so clients 'get it' (and buy it). Plus, why it matters to know what lights you up and what totally drains you. Next week we'll dive into tracking client journeys and finding clients so join us next week. Grab your cuppa and join us in the Facebook group, on Discord, or over on Instagram! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Freelancing  00:59 Evaluating Your Current Offers and Services  01:58 Adapting to AI and Market Shifts  03:16 Maximizing Opportunities and Minimizing Drains  05:22 Packaging and Presenting Your Services  07:38 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

AI can be really useful for freeing up time as a business owner. But one thing it is taking away is our creativity, whether that's in creating content and copy, or brainstorming. And losing creativity can really take the joy out of things Want help brainstorming how you can use AI without losing the sparkle? My coaching packages include Voxer support to walk you through it: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/coaching-mentoring-for-freelancers/  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:18 The Struggles of Recording with AI  00:53 AI's Impact on Creativity  02:31 The Importance of Critical Thinking  04:23 AI in Business and YouTube  05:20 Keeping It Real and Personal  06:30 Balancing AI and Creativity  07:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Get Descript (Affiliate): https://get.descript.com/jbk2x2nsnvik  Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Looking back, I'd absolutely still go freelance — but there are some things I wouldn't do again. Today I talk about what I'd do differently with what I know now. If you're starting out (or re-starting), check out my 30 Days To Go Freelance Kit – it's got everything I wish I'd had: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/30-days-to-go-freelance  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:29 Reflecting on Freelancing Beginnings  00:46 The Pitfalls of Working for Free  01:50 Setting Boundaries Early  03:05 Avoiding Comparisons with Others  04:50 Financial Advice for New Freelancers  06:05 The Importance of a CRM System  07:36 Creating 30 Days to Go Freelance  08:24 Engage with the Community Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Lost your spark? You're not broken. Freelance motivation dips are normal — especially in summer. Here's what I do when the fire fizzles out. I talk about this loads inside the Freelance Business Lounge — come join us if you need motivation, accountability or a boost. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break podcast, Emma Cossey, a UK-based freelance coach and ADHD mentor, explores strategies for overcoming motivation challenges in freelance work, particularly for those with ADHD.  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:27 Understanding ADHD and Motivation  02:23 Identifying the Root of Lost Motivation  02:55 Balancing Overload and Understimulation  05:22 Practical Tips to Boost Motivation  06:14 The Power of Talking It Out  07:26 Reflecting on Your Freelance Journey  07:51 Join the Freelance Business Lounge  08:36 Final Thoughts on Motivation Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Worried you'll scare off clients if you raise your rates? You're not alone — but there's a simple shift that makes it way less scary. If this made you think 'I should really do this' — I've got templates in my Tricky Client Conversations Toolkit: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/the-tricky-client-emergency-toolkit  00:00 Introduction to Freelancers Tea Break  00:03 Why You Should Raise Your Rates  01:09 When to Raise Your Rates  02:06 How to Communicate Rate Increases  02:55 Handling Client Objections  03:54 Testing and Implementing New Rates  04:11 Resources for Difficult Client Conversations  05:04 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz